When Did the Church Stop Pursuing Holiness?

Holiness has never been easy. In today’s world, it almost feels out of place. The Church, once known for being set apart, can sometimes feel like it’s blending in with the culture around it. Have we drifted from what it means to be holy? Have we, maybe without even realizing it, traded our distinctiveness for comfort and acceptance?

The story of Daniel gives us a powerful model for living a life that honors God, even when everything around us pulls in the opposite direction. His example reminds us that holiness isn’t about following a strict list of rules—it’s about being faithful to the One who has called us. So what does it look like to live with that kind of devotion today? Let’s explore together.

What Is Holiness?

Holiness isn’t about being perfect, nor is it about distancing ourselves from the world. Biblically, holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes. It’s about living in a way that reflects His heart and character in everyday life:

• Leviticus 20:26 – “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Rather than seeing holiness as an impossible standard, we can view it as an invitation—an invitation to live with purpose, to walk closely with God, and to resist the cultural tides that pull us away from Him.

Daniel's Secret to Thriving in Exile (And Why It Matters Today)

The book of Daniel gives us an incredible picture of what it means to live faithfully in a world that doesn’t share our values. Taken from his homeland and placed in Babylon, Daniel faced immense pressure to conform. But instead of letting Babylon reshape him, he remained anchored in his identity as one of God’s people. Here’s how:

1. He Refused to Compromise – Daniel chose not to eat the king’s food (Daniel 1:8) because he wanted to honor God. It wasn’t about the food itself—it was about staying true to his faith in the small things.

2. He Maintained a Life of Prayer – Even when it became illegal to pray, Daniel remained steadfast, turning to God three times a day (Daniel 6:10). His relationship with God came before anything else.

3. He Trusted God’s Sovereignty – When faced with the lions’ den, Daniel didn’t panic. He believed that God was in control, no matter what happened (Daniel 6:22).

Daniel thrived, not because he had an easy life, but because he had a firm foundation. His story reminds us that we don’t have to bow to cultural pressure—we can stand firm in our faith with confidence.

Are We Conforming to Babylon?

We might not be living in Babylon, but we do live in a world that often pulls us away from God. Without even realizing it, we can start to compromise our faith in small ways. Here are some areas where we might be influenced more by culture than by Christ:

• Redefining Truth – Accepting cultural shifts that contradict biblical principles.

• Blending In – Living in a way that doesn’t look much different from the world around us.

• Drifting from Devotion – Prioritizing busyness, entertainment, or social media over spending time with God.

• Avoiding Hard Conversations – Staying silent about faith out of fear of being judged.

If any of these resonate, it’s an opportunity—not for guilt, but for reflection. How can we realign with God’s heart and walk in the identity He’s given us?

How to Live Holy in a Compromising World

Holiness isn’t about isolating ourselves from the world—it’s about being transformed from the inside out and being set apart to God in all that we do. Here are some practical ways to pursue holiness in daily life:

1. Stay Rooted in Scripture – The more we fill our minds with God’s truth, the less we’ll be swayed by cultural trends (Romans 12:2).

2. Evaluate Your Influences – Are the things you watch, listen to, and surround yourself with leading you closer to God or further away?

3. Build a Consistent Prayer Life – Just like Daniel, let prayer be a daily rhythm, not just something we turn to in crisis.

4. Stand for Truth with Love – Boldness and grace go hand in hand (1 Peter 3:15). We’re called to be a light, not a megaphone of judgment.

5. Find a Community of Believers – Surrounding ourselves with like-minded Christians helps us stay encouraged and accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Final Thoughts: The Cost and Reward of Holiness

Holiness isn’t always easy—it can cost us comfort, approval, or even friendships. But it also brings something far greater: a deeper relationship with God, a life of purpose, and an unshakable faith that weathers any storm.

So let’s ask ourselves: Are we letting culture shape our faith, or are we allowing our faith to shape the way we engage with the world? The invitation to holiness is still open—are we willing to walk in it?

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